Aidan Bennetts, Managing Director

At the Helm

AB Design was founded in 2005 by Aidan Bennetts, an industry leader in designing for interiors, retail & exhibition spaces and products.

Aidan has a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Art (majoring in sculpture) from the University of Cape Town. He also has qualifications in AutoCAD, 3D modelling and property development but he considers his 18 years of experience in design and construction as his most valuable asset.

An artistic frame of mind is always at the forefront of his approach. Aidan’s greatest strength is his ability to conceptualise unique and innovative designs, while balancing it with a practical way of looking at things. He explains, “Design allows us to mould the world in the way we see fit.”

It’s not about ego. Aidan sees every project as a chance to effect positive change around him. Designing the flagship stores for Carducci and C2 and executing local and international exhibitions are some of the highlights of Aidan’s career but he’s very mindful to always look forward, not backwards.

He understands that a good designer needs to focus on improving at all times and uses this quote by Socrates to remind him of the importance of constantly working at his craft: “The only thing that I know is that I know nothing.”

Design isn’t the only thing that Aidan is passionate about. He is a competitive sportsperson and an active outdoorsman who knows that a healthy body leads to a healthy mind. He is a minimalist at heart who doesn’t believe in excess or clutter – this attitude is reflected in his creative work.